Video Clip:

Lesson:

Before we came to earth we lived with our Heavenly Father. We accepted His plan to come to earth, gain a physical body and choose between right and wrong. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Savior. He has also given us families to love and help us along the way.

In the story of the Prodigal Son, one son decided to spend his fortune on earthly pleasures, rather than spending it wisely. When the money ran out, he was sad, and knew he had made wrong choices. He wasn’t sure he could go home, but he was willing to try. Even though he had done wrong, his father loved him and celebrated his return.

The Savior taught us, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34. The Savior loves us even when we are not doing everything we should. We should follow His example by showing love to our own family members in this same way.

Eternal life means to become like Heavenly Father and live happily with our families forever. An eternal family doesn’t just happen because of the sealing covenants we make in the temple. How we behave in this life will decide if we will be together as an eternal family. To receive the blessings of the temple sealing we have to keep the commandments and behave in a way that our families will want to live with us forever. Heavenly Father and Jesus love every one and want every family to be sealed in the temple and return to live with them forever.

As part of this family and Heavenly Father’s family we will do our part to help every family member so that we will have “No empty chairs in our Heavenly Home.”

Quote:

“I know of no more beautiful story in all literature than that found in the fifteenth chapter of Luke. It is the story of a repentant son and a forgiving father…There is no peace in reflecting on the pain of old wounds. There is peace only in repentance and forgiveness.” Gordon B. Hinckley

Q&A:

Does Jesus love us, even if we make wrong choices? (The Savior’s love and compassion eternally surround every soul who walks the earth.)

Why is the family an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan? (Discuss ideas)

How can we work towards eternal life as a family? (Discuss ideas)

People are often kinder to strangers than to their family members that they love. Why is this and what can we do differently? (Discuss ideas)

Story:

No Empty Chairs

“Mommy, why did Kevin go away? Doesn’t he love us anymore?”

Karen sat at the kitchen table next to her 3 year old daughter who was coloring. She wiped away a tear from her cheek as she glanced at her oldest son Kevin’s empty chair and then began thumbing through Sydney’s Animated Stories coloring books. She found the Prodigal Son and placed it on the table.

“Remember the story Jesus told about the prodigal son?”

“He lost all his money and he had to eat with the pigs! Right mommy?”

“That’s right Sydney. And even though he went away he still loved his family, didn’t he?”

Sydney, looked at her mother, and nodded.

“Kevin is kind of like that boy. He still loves us and we still love him, but he chose to move away instead of following the rules that daddy and I have set up for our home.”

Sydney began to cry. Karen picked her up and placed her on her lap.

“Mommy, I don’t want Kevin to have to eat with the pigs! They eat yucky stuff!”

Karen stroked her daughter’s hair.

“Oh, sweetie! Kevin won’t have to eat with the pigs. But hopefully like the prodigal son, he’ll realize he’s made a mistake and he’ll come home too!”

Sydney looked up at her mother and gave her a big hug.

“Mommy, I’m always going to do what you and daddy want me to so I won’t never have to leave you! And when Kevin comes home we’ll have a big feast too, okay?”

Karen nodded as she fought back tears and silently prayed that the feast would be soon and that there will be “No Empty Chairs” in their Heavenly home.

Treat idea:

These lessons are perfect for Family Home Evening at the beginning of the week, or to recap the following Sunday. Or use portions of the lesson throughout the week to enhance your family scripture study.

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